Media Release – Fair Deal Coalition

14 November 2013

The leaked copy of the Trans Pacific Partnership confirms the Fair Deal Coalition’s fears that New Zealand is facing aggressive US moves in the fight to protect our economic future through maintaining a fair copyright framework.

Fair Deal Coalition spokesperson Susan Chalmers said the text shows that the New Zealand negotiators have been fighting for a sensible position that would serve New Zealand well.

“Chief Negotiator David Walker and his team are to be applauded for fighting for what is best for New Zealand’s sensible and balanced copyright framework. It is a shame the United States wants the opposite, but that is what the leaked text shows,” says Ms Chalmers.

“Negotiators are showing they understand New Zealand is a net importer of copyright goods and that our copyright law needs to suit our needs. If we accept what the US has put on the table then this country would be severely limiting future opportunities to innovate, remix, create and distribute content. In short, New Zealand would be trading away our digital future - all for potentially improved access to US markets, which could take years and years to happen,” says Ms Chalmers.

“If the US gets what it wants, New Zealand will be facing higher copyright costs and reduced access to content both online and off. 

“The long term economic prospects New Zealanders can build with fair intellectual property law will be damaged if the TPP goes ahead with this Intellectual Property chapter in place,” Ms Chalmers says.

The Fair Deal Coalition which is comprised of a diverse group of organisations firmly believes that the New Zealand Government must stand firm with the negotiators to stay consistent with New Zealand’s regulatory framework. It says that if the US has its way in the IP chapter, New Zealand won’t get a fair deal from the TPP.

ENDS

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